Republicans have appealed a judge’s ruling that invalidated the boundaries of New York City’s only Republican-held House district, a decision that could affect control of the U.S. House. The judge found that Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ Staten Island–Brooklyn district diluted the voting power of Black and Hispanic residents and ordered a new map by Feb. 6. The case, brought by a Democratic-aligned election law firm, is part of a nationwide dispute over gerrymandering. Republicans have appealed to both an intermediate court and the New York Court of Appeals.
Republicans Appeal Ruling That Voided NYC’s Only GOP House Seat — Case Could Affect Control Of Congress
The coast of Staten Island is seen in New York, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Republicans on Monday filed appeals after a judge invalidated the congressional boundaries for New York City’s lone Republican-held U.S. House seat, a decision that could have wider implications for the balance of power in Congress.
The ruling found that Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ Staten Island–Brooklyn district was drawn in a way that diluted the voting strength of Black and Hispanic residents. The judge ordered New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission to prepare a new map by Feb. 6.
The challenge was brought by an election law firm aligned with the Democratic Party and is part of a broader, national fight over partisan and racial gerrymandering that intensified following efforts by former President Donald Trump to encourage redrawing districts in Republican-controlled states such as Texas.
FILE - Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., talks to reporters following a meeting for President-elect Donald Trump's picks for the planned Department of Government Efficiency at the Capitol, Dec. 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Appeals Filed
Republican leaders have appealed the decision to both an intermediate appellate court and New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, seeking to keep the current map in place. It was not immediately clear when the Court of Appeals would agree to hear the case.
Context And History
New York’s present congressional map was ultimately adopted by Democrats in the state Legislature after lawmakers rejected a proposal from the state’s bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission. The Court of Appeals has previously intervened in New York redistricting disputes — at one point rejecting maps seen as favoring Democrats, appointing an expert to redraw lines, and tossing those maps before the 2024 congressional elections.
Current delegation: New York is represented in the U.S. House by 19 Democrats and 7 Republicans.
The outcome of this appeal could influence not only representation in New York but also broader legal and political battles over how districts are drawn nationwide.
Help us improve.
